Sagada revisited final: Still a Shangri-la
A walk into Sagada’s Pine Forest
Three nights have passed and just when it has begun, we realize we are about to leave. You’ll never get dull in this place as there are more to do and discover. I could have stayed longer but work beckons. I would gladly like to walk more on the pine forest and feel the cool fresh breeze. Or just lie down on the grass by the church and read a good book. Watch the glorious sunrise on a cool windy morning at Kiltepan or the scenic sunset while having a picnic at Lake Danom (Lake Bana-ao to those who live in Besao). Or further more discover more hidden secrets Sagada holds. We were conversing with some elders at a store and found that beneath Sagada there are more cave systems waiting to be explored.
Breathtaking view of Kiltepan
I will miss those cheap but full dishes (Chicken, vegetables and a large serving of Red Rice) at Sudimay, the vegetable rice at Shamrock Cafe, the Chicken barbecue with matching acoustic music at the new Bamboo Grill and those tasty Yogurt meals at Yogurt house. I regret having not bought a bottle of those Blueberry Rice Wine I was able to taste. Or to zip on the aroma of a mountain tea.
Facade of the famous yogurt house
There is simplicity in Sagada that anyone can experience. I remember the first time I went there a few years ago, was the first time for me to actually travel on my own. But you’ll discover that you are never really alone, as like minds and people are there to help you out and can be good company as well while you stay. I really enjoyed it. But traveling with friends can be a memorable experience as well.
Picnic Perfect at Lake Danom
So to those who want to experience the so called Shangri-la of the Cordilleras, I urge you to travel. Wether you will do a lonely planet (interestingly a lot of foreigners, especially Koreans were doing lonely planet at that time, a woman even), or a trip with your barkada, or better yet with your special someone, do it soon while Sagada is still a Shangri-la. And hopefully it will for a long time.
Tags: Travel
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Monday, November 14th, 2005 at 1:12 pm 
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November 15th, 2005 at 4:23 pm
sagada really is beautiful… ang ganda ng pine forest… i can imagine myself bein there… i had a boss hu’s honeymoon was spent in sagada. not ur usual choice aint it?! =) haha!! i think its time to call my buddies & urge them to go with me there!!! i hope!
November 15th, 2005 at 10:12 pm
ang sarap naman ng mga pagkain na binangggit mo. sana maranasan ko rin yan. maghahanap pa ng karamay sa sagada, hehe
November 16th, 2005 at 10:31 am
wow!!! ganda talaga… My wife went there by herself and had a good time. She also got lost but the people of Sagada helped her find her way.
please take more picture po…
November 17th, 2005 at 5:28 pm
man, aside from great pictures, your layout is very artistic. Sagada is indeed beautiful. I went there for a few days, passing by banaue and bontoc — but mga 2000 pa — too bad we didn’t have those digicams before.
Keep posting!
November 24th, 2005 at 2:50 pm
what can i say bro. sagada is one of my absolute favorites. even if just for staying a day or two and sleeping the cold afternoons away. of course, that would be a shame considering the many things you can do there. anyway, thanks for the wonderful chronicle on a wonderful place high up north!
February 22nd, 2006 at 10:49 am
ei ferdz, we finally went there, just this wkend! it was the BEST! the trip was all worth it, despite the grueling travel, and i really mean grueling!!! haha! it was the town’s fiesta and for an added treat, there was a fireworks show the night of feb 18, almost 30mins of gr8 show of lights! it was really fantastic! sounds were echoing thru the mountains… sigh, i really miss sagada!